The Design for All process enables the creation of spaces, products, and services that are accessible to all. In order to create solutions that reflect human diversity, the user has to play a specific role in the design process.
The objective is to gather input, information, and suggestions that the architect can interpret and translate into spatial solutions throughout different phases of the project. Only if we use this method can we overcome the subjective rationale of professionals and create spaces that meet the needs and wants of end users, with or without disabilities - whether they are users, visitors, workers, etc.
The Competence Centre is responsible for promoting and organizing participatory practice, which is a fundamental element of the Design for All process. The participatory phase can be structured in various ways and with different instruments depending on the decision-maker's context and objectives.
For the Domus Lusanigh project, a new district in Bellinzona Carasso commissioned by the fondazione per l'Inclusione, the Competence Centre planned several workshops and ran two working groups. The approach chosen for this project was the World Café, which includes discussion among participants on a given topic. A facilitator leads each table, while the participants move around different tables during the sessions to share their ideas with the other group members.
More information on the Design for All process can be found here
